Ododo Warns NURTW Members Against Use of Commercial Vehicles for Kidnapping, Arms Trafficking

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh

Government House, Lokoja
October 30, 2026

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has warned members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) against allowing their commercial vehicles to be used for transporting firearms, facilitating kidnapping or supporting other criminal activities, declaring that his administration will deal decisively with anyone found culpable.

The Governor gave the warning on Friday when he received the leadership and members of the NURTW, Kogi State Council, led by its State Chairman, Alhaji Yahaya Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Lokoja.

Governor Ododo described transport workers as important partners in the development and security of the state, noting that their profession plays a critical role in connecting communities, facilitating economic activities and ensuring the movement of people and goods.

He commended the union for its support and cooperation with his administration, particularly in the collective efforts to address insecurity and restore confidence on the state’s highways.

According to him, his administration recognises and respects the contributions of transport workers, stressing that the government cannot achieve its developmental objectives without the cooperation of critical stakeholders such as the NURTW.

“Kogi State is our state. We have no other state. These criminals came because of our resources. They want to push our farmers away from their farmlands and prevent our drivers from travelling freely on our roads. We have resolved to continue to deal with them.

“I am not afraid of any criminal. If you are caught as a criminal, we will deal with you decisively,” the Governor declared.

Responding to the union’s requests, Governor Ododo assured the leadership that the state government would give favourable attention to the issues presented, including the renovation of the NURTW State Secretariat, provision of an official bus and a soft-loan vehicle empowerment scheme for interested and qualified members.

Earlier, the State Chairman of NURTW, Alhaji Yahaya Ibrahim, had commended Governor Ododo for his administration’s efforts in tackling insecurity, developing road infrastructure and promoting accountability across public and private institutions.

He described the NURTW as a disciplined and politically conscious organisation, reaffirming the union’s commitment to supporting the administration’s development agenda.

He appealed to the Governor to assist the union with the rehabilitation of its state secretariat, an official bus for administrative and national engagements, and a soft-loan vehicle acquisition scheme to improve the economic well-being of members.